So, you have taken a dosha test and know your constitution is predominantly Pitta.
Now, what?
One of the most important lines of treatment to pacify an aggravated Pitta dosha is through diet.
A Pitta dosha diet has the power of soothing an inflamed body and calming a critical mind.
It can support optimal digestion and regular elimination.
And improve the condition of your hair and skin.
These are the most important dietary principles. Let’s begin.
Pitta qualities
Discovering your body type is the first step towards achieving balance (if you are still unsure about your constitution, take my dosha quiz)
Once you determine your dosha, the next step is to learn as much as you can about it. However, it is also necessary that you implement dietary and lifestyle changes gradually, so you don’t overwhelm yourself.
A Pitta dosha diet is intentional about reducing the obvious signs of aggravation.
Its purpose is to lessen the oily, sharp, hot, light, mobile, unpleasant in odor, and liquid qualities.
If you are reading this, you’ve probably felt these attributes in your body, mind, and emotions.
Physically
You could be experiencing inflammation, signs of infection, or liver disorders.
A yellowish color in stool, urine, and eyes, as well as intense burning sensations.
Gums that bleed easily and early baldness are also common for this constitution, which has an excess of fire in the system. This is typically manifested in exaggerated anger and thirst, difficulty sleeping, and profuse sweating.
You can clearly notice Pitta symptoms in your skin too.
Pittas tend to have a reddish complexion, moles, freckles, and suffer from acne.
Mentally and emotionally
The abundance of Fire and Water — Pitta elements — results in feelings of irritability, anger, recklessness, and aggression.
Pitta individuals have trouble forgiving and letting go.
Likewise, they tend to be ambitious, self-righteous, and vain. Being demanding, controlling, proud, jealous, and critical can make their relationships with others extremely difficult to navigate.
Does it sound like you?
The sensation of heat is constant for Pitta individuals, and it can affect every aspect of their lives.
However, with the right diet and appropriate lifestyle habits, you can return to a state of homeostasis to balance your Pitta dosha and be able to experience the positive side it has to offer.
The six tastes
Understanding the effects of the six tastes — sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter and astringent – on Pitta dosha is crucial to cook healing Ayurvedic meals.
Each taste is made up of two of the five elements; therefore, they can directly augment or diminish Pitta.
Sweet
- Good for Pitta.
- Elements: Earth and Water.
- Example: Carbohydrates and proteins.
Salty
- This taste should be avoided by Pitta.
- Elements: Water and Fire.
- Example: Table salt, kombu.
Sour
- This taste should be avoided by Pitta.
- Elements: Earth and Fire.
- Example: Sauerkraut, lime.
Pungent
- This taste should be avoided by Pitta.
- Elements: Fire and Earth.
- Example: chili peppers.
Bitter
- Good for Pitta.
- Elements: Air and Ether.
- Example: Kale, goldenseal.
Astringent
- Good for Pitta.
- Elements: Earth and Air.
- Example: Green tea, cucumbers.
Pitta dosha diet
The proper Pitta dosha diet will help you nourish your tissues, reduce the fire, improve your digestion, alleviate your skin, and better cope with stressful situations. By consistently following the below principles, you will also see changes in your hair, nails, emotions, and sleep.
An Ayurvedic Pitta dosha diet must be cool, grounding, and slightly dry.
With enough of the sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes.
Ideally, food is heavy, lightly cooked, and with limited amounts of oils and spices.
Choose mild and simple flavors instead of sharp ones. Hence, if you are Pitta aggravated, avoid fried or breaded foods, overly seasoned or cooked meals, and strong sauces.
Furthermore, stimulating foods like coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and red meat should be avoided. Plus, eating when angry or upset is never recommended, especially for Pitta body types.
Fruits
Most fruits are good for Pitta as they are usually cooling, calming, and harmonizing.
Tip: Bananas are not exactly Pitta pacifying, but they are astringent and cooling, and Pitta individuals can eat them occasionally when they are green, not ripe.
Pitta pacifying fruits
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Dates
- Figs
- Grapes
- Limes
- Mangoes
- Melons
- Oranges (sweet)
- Pears
- Plums
- Pomegranate
- Prunes
- Raspberries
Vegetables
Veggies are great for Pitta. Preferably, they are taken raw or lightly steamed with small quantities of oil.
Tip: Avoid nightshades like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
Pitta pacifying vegetables
- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Bitter melon
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Cilantro
- Corn (fresh)
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Kale
- Okra
- Peas
Cereals
Cereals for the most part are not overheating and should be part of a well-balanced diet for Pitta dosha.
Tip: Breads and pasta are good options for this body type. Choose whole wheat and organic alternatives.
Pitta pacifying cereals
- Barley
- Basmati rice
- Couscous
- Millet
- Granola
- Oats
- Popcorn
- Quinoa
- Wheat
Legumes
Since Pitta dosha normally has a strong digestive fire, it can digest legumes easier than other body types. Nevertheless, lentils and beans should still be cooked using Ayurvedic principles.
Tip: Avoid refried beans since they oftentimes have large quantities of animal fat that can aggravate Pitta.
Pitta pacifying legumes
- Aduki beans
- Chick peas
- Kidney beans
- Lima beans
- Mung dal
- Soy beans
- Split peas
- Tofu
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are oily and warm, so naturally they have the potential to aggravate Pitta dosha. Nevertheless, they are an important part of a vegan/ vegetarian diet and a significant source of protein. Since meat and fish can exacerbate this fiery constitution, they are clearly a better alternative to animal products.
Tip: Eat them fresh, not roasted. And unsalted.
Pitta pacifying nuts and seeds
- Coconut
- Pumpkin seeds (occasionally)
- Safflower seeds
- Sunflower seeds
Oils
Pitta is inherently oily, hence, by applying the principle of Opposites Create Balance, this body type should avoid having large quantities of oil with food, especially from animal sources.
Tip: In addition, avoid high-fat foods such as eggs, cheeses, olives, and sour cream.
Pitta pacifying oils
- Coconut oil
- Ghee
- Sunflower oil
- Almond oil
Spices
Pitta’s burning nature requires foods that are mild in taste and with a cooling energy. By using small amounts of just a few spices, you can help reduce your irritated Pitta.
Tip: Cut down salt intake too and make fresh cilantro leaves a staple in your diet.
Pitta pacifying spices
- Cardamom
- Cilantro
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Dill
- Fennel
- Mint
- Saffron
- Turmeric
These are general Ayurvedic guidelines that can help you diminish the excess Pitta in your system.
Nevertheless, be mindful of every change you make to your diet.
You are a unique being.
And although a food item can be listed as favorable for Pitta dosha, you might find, through your own experience and observations, that it produces negative effects on your body.
The same is true for items that are supposed to be avoided, yet they might not be necessarily harmful to you.
Hence, the above lists are not absolute facts.
They are just general guidelines to be adjusted to your own unique situation. Plus, they are a great starting point if you are new to living an Ayurvedic lifestyle.
My FREE Ayurvedic Meal Plan for Pitta Dosha can help too!
It’s super easy to follow and has delicious and healing recipes.
Pitta FREE Menu
Pitta FREE Menu — Spanish
Remember:
- Listen to your body.
- Eat at 3/4 of your full stomach capacity.
- Cook meals that feel and look cool, slightly dry, harmonizing, grounding, wholesome, and stabilizing.
- Favor the sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes.
- Avoid coffee, alcohol, and red meat!
- Cook with love and patience.
- Don’t be afraid of carbs.
- Changing your diet is a marathon, not a sprint. There is no rush! Take slow but, firm steps.
Happy healing!
Monica
